Samsung Unveils Impressive 98-inch 8K Mini-LED TV

Samsung has introduced its latest flagship TV, the QN990C Neo QLED, in the US, boasting a staggering 98-inch display with 8K resolution. This massive television represents Samsung’s largest 8K TV offering to date. While the price tag of $40,000 places it well above other 98-inch TVs on the market, it delivers impressive features that set it apart from its competitors.

The standout feature of the QN990C is its Neo QLED display panel, offering a remarkable 8K resolution. Prior to this release, Samsung’s top-tier 8K TVs maxed out at 85 inches. Given the current trend of larger screens, especially in the realm of big-screen sets, this size upgrade has been eagerly anticipated. Samsung will showcase the QN990C alongside its 4K MicroLED display, “The Wall All-In-One,” available in 146- and 110-inch sizes, at the 2023 CEDIA Expo.

The QN990C employs Samsung’s Neural Quantum Processor, which utilizes AI-based algorithms to upscale 4K and HD content to 8K resolution. Additionally, it features an 8K AI depth enhancer that enhances highlights in focal areas of images. This enhancement process has proven effective in previous Samsung 8K models.

The TV offers other picture quality enhancements, including an anti-glare screen for improved visibility in brightly lit rooms and Samsung’s Ultra Viewing Angle technology, which ensures uniform brightness from various viewing angles. It also boasts four HDMI 2.1 ports, enabling support for 4K at 120Hz input from next-generation gaming consoles. The Samsung Gaming Hub is included for cloud-based gaming from platforms such as Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna.

With its 360-degree all-metal design and included stand, the QN990C aims to impress from every angle. It also offers a slim-fit wall mount option. Samsung has prioritized audio quality, equipping the TV with a built-in 6.4.4 Dolby Atmos speaker system and Cinema Object Tracking Sound to enhance movie sound effects.

Opinion: The Case for Enormous 8K TVs

While 8K TVs have faced challenges in gaining widespread adoption, Samsung continues to advance the technology with the release of new 8K models year after year. The key hurdles have been the scarcity of native 8K content and the remarkable detail already offered by 4K TVs, even on large screens.

The author notes that, despite initial reservations about video upscaling using AI-based algorithms, Samsung’s Neural Quantum Processor has significantly improved the quality of 4K sources. This advancement has made a strong case for 8K TVs, especially when considering the potential for more 8K content on streaming services in the future.

However, the author emphasizes that to truly appreciate the benefits of 8K resolution, an ultra-large TV is necessary. This is where Samsung’s new 98-inch QN990C shines, offering a practical size for experiencing 8K content comfortably from a reasonable viewing distance.

While the $40,000 price tag may limit the widespread adoption of the 98-inch QN990C, it appears relatively more affordable when compared to Samsung’s 110- and 148-inch MicroLED displays, which are exceptionally costly. In the rapidly evolving world of high-resolution displays, Samsung’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of screen size and quality is evident.

In conclusion, while 8K TVs may have faced challenges in the market, Samsung’s dedication to enhancing the technology and introducing larger displays like the 98-inch QN990C is a step toward making 8K TVs more accessible and appealing to consumers.